Bulk Billing Dentists Brisbane

Finding a bulk billing dentist in Brisbane for Kids seems like an impossibility but there are options that can see your dental care fees for children reduced or even free. This article seeks to be a resource for Brisbane families, designed to help you get your Brisbane Kids the dental care they need at an affordable cost.

How to Find a Bulk Billing Dentist

Bulk Billing is a term used loosely to describe a free dental service for Brisbane Kids. Believe it or not, there are a number of ways to get reduced fees or free dental care for kids.

The School Dentist and Free Public Dental Care for Brisbane Kids

All Queensland resident children who are over the age of four years or those who have not completed Year 10 of secondary school, are able to take advantage of the publicly funded dental care system – better known as the school dentist.

When your child heads to school you will get a letter in their school bag which will allow you to indicate your willingness to participate in the scheme.

This public dental service is delivered via a variety of facilities including school dental clinics (fixed or mobile), larger community dental clinics and mobile dental clinics. There is no need to be concerned about the quality of care just because it is a free service – the clinics are staffed by qualified dentists, oral health therapists, dental therapists and dental assistants.

Children younger than four years of age and those who have completed Year 10 of secondary school are also eligible for publicly funded oral health care if they are dependents of current concession card holders or hold a current concession card themselves.

If you want to know more about the school dentist scheme or the publicly funded oral health program then head to https://www.health.qld.gov.au/oralhealth/services/school.asp

Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)

In January 2014 the Australian Department of Health introduced the Child Dental Benefits Schedule to help support Brisbane families with the dental care of their children. It is a service which is designed to provide financial support for basic dental services for eligible children between the ages 0 -17 years of age.

This service will be looking to provide basic dentistry to around 3 million children. It is a financial support system which is capped at $1052 per child over a 2-year calendar period. It is means tested and requires families to be receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A or other specific Government Payment. It is almost likened to being a means tested extended version of the school dentist.

Be aware that this is a service conducted at a normal dental clinic and as such you will need to check your eligibility first. You will also need to have a current Medicare card when you attend your appointment. You should let the dental surgery know when you are booking that you are looking to take advantage of the scheme to make sure they participate and that you are eligible.

Services Covered Under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule

Check-ups
X-Rays
Cleaning
Fissure Sealing
Fillings
Root Canals
Extractions

Summary of Child Dental Benefits Schedule

Available for eligible Brisbane Kids aged between 0 and 17 years of age
Means tested
Happens through a normal dentist (one that participates in the scheme)
$1052 per child capped over a 2-year calendar period.

Excluded services include orthodontic or cosmetic dental work and do not cover dental work done in a hospital. You can find out more about this service and check your eligibility by heading to http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/medicare/child-dental-benefits-schedule

In Queensland the public dental services are funded by the government and are provided free to eligible persons. The cost of transport to and from the dental clinics will be the responsibility of the attending individual.